Vehicle Lighting Device Switch Joint Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior lighting devices face issues with damage to joint portions between operation switches and substrates due to operational forces, and require labor-intensive screw fixation, leading to increased costs and potential component damage.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device design featuring a housing with a movement restricting portion that engages with the operation switch to minimize operational force transmission to the joint, combined with a cover member that reduces the need for screws by pressing down on the substrate, thereby minimizing solder cracks and substrate bending, and improving assemblability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operation switch is mounted on the substrate, then the switch can be integrated with the circuit board, but operational force transmitted to the joint portion may break solder or bend the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing that are coupled together, with the operation switch mounted on the lower housing rather than the substrate. This segmentation separates the mechanical switching function from the circuit board, preventing operational force from being transmitted to the solder joints while maintaining functional integration through the housing structure.
2Strength
If the substrate is fixed to the housing by a plurality of screws, then the substrate is securely attached, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member integrates multiple functions: it covers the operation switch, presses the substrate against the lower housing to provide secure fixation, and eliminates the need for multiple screws. By combining these functions into a single component, assembly is simplified and labor efficiency is improved while maintaining strong substrate attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member automatically presses the substrate against the lower housing through its own structural design, creating self-fixation without requiring additional fastening elements. The act of installing the cover member itself performs the fixation function, reducing assembly steps and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the operation switch protrudes toward the housing, then the switch is accessible for operation, but operational force may damage the substrate or solder joints
Solution Approach 1:
The lower housing serves as an intermediary structure between the operation switch and the substrate. The switch protrudes toward the housing for accessibility, but the housing absorbs and redirects operational forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the substrate or solder joints. This mediator protects the fragile electrical connections while maintaining user access to the switch.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lighting device capable of minimizing damage of a joint portion between an operation switch and a substrate or the substrate itself due to a force when the operation switch is operated and improving assemblability. The lighting device includes a housing installed in a vehicle, a substrate fixed to the housing, a cover member which is fixed to the housing and presses down the substrate, a light emitting element installed on the substrate, an operation switch which is installed on the substrate and switches the light emitting element on/off by being operated in directions of coming into contact with and moving away from the substrate, and a movement restricting portion which is formed in the housing, engages with a part of the operation switch and restricts movement of the operation switch toward the substrate side.